The interruption dispelled some of the gloom in Xiao Yan's heart, leaving him feeling that he really had been a little oversensitive. He shook his head, stopped dwelling on it, and focused on the ring again. By now, the voices coming from it had moved beyond their initial pleasantries and into a more substantive discussion.
Jia Lie Bi's voice carried a hint of pained reluctance and resignation. "...If we want to appease the Black Sand Alliance for now and keep them from causing trouble in Wutan City, I'm afraid we'll have to bleed a little. Those desperadoes have enormous appetites. Ordinary gold, silver, and jewels probably won't satisfy them."
Oba Pa's voice was also full of worry. "Yes, and appeasing them is only a temporary measure. In the long run, we must have enough strength to protect ourselves. As for the Mittel Auction House... although they have some ties with all our families, getting their family's true experts to intervene will probably... even the 'goodwill' our three families can offer together may not satisfy them."
Xiao Zhan's steady voice sounded at just the right moment, carrying a note of resolve. "Whatever happens, we must try approaching the Mittel Family. As for the cost, our three families will shoulder it together. The most important thing right now is to keep the Black Sand Alliance in check. At least until we've learned their true strength and intentions, we must not act rashly. As for the specific arrangements, we still need to discuss them carefully..."
The voices in the ring gradually grew quieter, as though the discussion had entered a more confidential stage. Some of the crucial words began to blur into indistinct murmurs.
The pair of One-Line Sound-Link Talismans had clearly reached their limit and could no longer transmit the more confidential